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Stand Up Paddle => SUP General => Topic started by: Dkyachtphoto on May 02, 2016, 03:13:35 PM

Title: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 02, 2016, 03:13:35 PM
I'm trying to get some confirmation on this. I've had a really bad pain when I paddle sometimes between my shoulder blades. It's kinda off to my left side,  starts as a sharp kinda stabbing pain then gets worse. I went to a Dr.  had x-rays full exam and a shot of cortisone and still get the pain when I paddle. I was kinda writing it off as another getting older pain and deciding to try and get a professional massage. I booked my 1st ever pro massage with a woman recommended by a friend,  she does "medical" deep tissue massages. When I described the pain and location and what brought it on she immediately told me it was a muscle issue. Apparently it's cause I'm using new muscles and basically there very unhappy and week and the pain is the result.

Anyone ever have this and if so what was the fix? Obviously I need to strengthen them just curious what worked best for you. Thanks for any help.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: HanaSurf on May 02, 2016, 04:06:18 PM
My doc prescribes Voltaren Gel for me. It's a topical gel and my wife puts it on between my shoulder blades for me. I use it the first couple weeks in the spring when I start back paddling. Works great for me and I need no NASAIDS which upset my heartburn.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 02, 2016, 04:10:09 PM
My doc prescribes Voltaren Gel for me. It's a topical gel and my wife puts it on between my shoulder blades for me. I use it the first couple weeks in the spring when I start back paddling. Works great for me and I need no NASAIDS which upset my heartburn.
Is your pain similar to what I described?

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: supthecreek on May 02, 2016, 04:52:19 PM
I have never had it bad..... but when I cut my paddle down to head height, it started.
I pulled the "Extended T" up 2", and it went away.
Just a thought, it could be from something like that.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: balance_fit on May 02, 2016, 05:45:55 PM
Hi Dave

Sounds, from the description, your Rhomboids are the issue.

 If this is right, they are, probably, taking up slack from other weak muscle groups such as Trapezius, Serratus Anterior, or fighting against tight Pectorals (both Major and Minor), Cervical flexors, etc. Signs include, but don't limit to, Winged and Protracted Scapulas(rounded shoulders) inability to fully extend the Thoracic Spine from prone, protracted (forward) head, a Crossed Upper Syndrome, etc. I capitalized some names you should get familiar with.

Massage, cortizone shot, ice, etc, will clear the symptoms but won't address the cause. If other major causes are ruled out, (such as Nerve Impingement, Bone Spurs, etc)and the issue is muscular, when the pain is gone  (don't underestimate rest), get evaluated by an AT or PT versed in shoulder dysfunctions. Get strong, flexible and return to paddling slowly.

Be well
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 02, 2016, 06:49:00 PM
Hi Dave

Sounds, from the description, your Rhomboids are the issue.

 If this is right, they are, probably, taking up slack from other weak muscle groups such as Trapezius, Serratus Anterior, or fighting against tight Pectorals (both Major and Minor), Cervical flexors, etc. Signs include, but don't limit to, Winged and Protracted Scapulas(rounded shoulders) inability to fully extend the Thoracic Spine from prone, protracted (forward) head, a Crossed Upper Syndrome, etc. I capitalized some names you should get familiar with.

Massage, cortizone shot, ice, etc, will clear the symptoms but won't address the cause. If other major causes are ruled out, (such as Nerve Impingement, Bone Spurs, etc)and the issue is muscular, when the pain is gone  (don't underestimate rest), get evaluated by an AT or PT versed in shoulder dysfunctions. Get strong, flexible and return to paddling slowly.

Be well
Wow that was quite a mouthful! Lol.... Like I mentioned I've already gone to the Dr and had x-rays and got the Cortisone shot and 3 deep tissue massages. None have helped,  it comes back almost every paddle. So I'd say yes it is muscular. It's a very sharp burning pain in a very specific spot every time.

What exercises are best to strengthen those muscles in my back that could be the culprit? It's really starting to limit my paddling, I'm good for 10-15 miles easily but yesterday I struggled with a 3 mile paddle and was damaged near crippled when I got home. ....

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: HanaSurf on May 02, 2016, 08:18:08 PM
The Voltaren gel puts pain relief and muscle relaxer right on the muscle. It is prescription and comes with a card that measures the correct amount for the given body area used on...shoulder,knee,hip etc.  It really works for me and my pain is right between the shoulder blades from about T2 thru T5. Because of a large Hiatal hernia I don't take any pain medicines,not even asprin or ibuprophen(heartburn).
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 06:26:38 AM
The Voltaren gel puts pain relief and muscle relaxer right on the muscle. It is prescription and comes with a card that measures the correct amount for the given body area used on...shoulder,knee,hip etc.  It really works for me and my pain is right between the shoulder blades from about T2 thru T5. Because of a large Hiatal hernia I don't take any pain medicines,not even asprin or ibuprophen(heartburn).
I may look into getting some of that but it seems like a bandaid instead of a fix? I really want to strengthen or "fix" whatever is causing the problem.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Bean on May 03, 2016, 07:44:55 AM
What is the Doc specifically targeting with the cortisone?
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: HanaSurf on May 03, 2016, 09:59:15 AM
The Voltaren gel puts pain relief and muscle relaxer right on the muscle. It is prescription and comes with a card that measures the correct amount for the given body area used on...shoulder,knee,hip etc.  It really works for me and my pain is right between the shoulder blades from about T2 thru T5. Because of a large Hiatal hernia I don't take any pain medicines,not even asprin or ibuprophen(heartburn).
I may look into getting some of that but it seems like a bandaid instead of a fix? I really want to strengthen or "fix" whatever is causing the problem.

Dave

Sorry, I wasn't being very clear. Use the gel for pain relief while your muscles build up to the paddling motions. Do real short paddles then gradually paddle longer as your muscles adapt.
 From your other posts(loved the pics ;) you probably paddled too long and far just starting out and strained or pulled muscles.
 Use ice,Tenz machine,and or the Voltarian Gel,I've found it better than ice or Tenz,and once muscles recover start back paddling easy,short sessions until strong enough for long trips.
 I believe you had been kayaking but the SUP paddling is a different set muscles.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: SuppaTime on May 03, 2016, 10:15:06 AM
I have had the pain you described, at times bad. Over the short term, heat and ibuprofen helped, over the long term, PT helped. I have learned that too much hunching over the computer seems to set me up for upper back problems. Being a weekend warrior is also hard on my back, upper and lower. Now that I am retired I actually have less back problems (but more joint problems) because my activity is more uniform.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 11:29:33 AM
What is the Doc specifically targeting with the cortisone?
He just tried to hit the spot of pain.....

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 11:32:10 AM
I have had the pain you described, at times bad. Over the short term, heat and ibuprofen helped, over the long term, PT helped. I have learned that too much hunching over the computer seems to set me up for upper back problems. Being a weekend warrior is also hard on my back, upper and lower. Now that I am retired I actually have less back problems (but more joint problems) because my activity is more uniform.
Ohhhh OK I got you now. So the paddling will strengthen the trouble area over time ok. Any exercises I could add in to help?
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: red_tx on May 03, 2016, 12:38:44 PM
Lots of good medical and non medical solutions so far.
Every time I have had issues with pain while paddling, it could be traced back to poor or sloppy paddle technique.

Focus on your core doing all the work. Knees bent., Back straight as you can. I almost keep my arms locked the entire stroke. (This may or may not be recommended) but it focuses the pull on your core and back muscles.

I would also continue with the medical massage.
-Foam roller.
-Yoga stretches
-anything on the workout ball (core)

-red
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 12:59:27 PM
Lots of good medical and non medical solutions so far.
Every time I have had issues with pain while paddling, it could be traced back to poor or sloppy paddle technique.

Focus on your core doing all the work. Knees bent., Back straight as you can. I almost keep my arms locked the entire stroke. (This may or may not be recommended) but it focuses the pull on your core and back muscles.

I would also continue with the medical massage.
-Foam roller.
-Yoga stretches
-anything on the workout ball (core)

-red
I spoke with a pro a few weeks ago about my form and was informed that whoever thought me did a great job. He offered a few small tweaks but pretty much said it was good.

It's weird that it's the exact same spot and side every time. The medical massage lady was really certain on it being a weak muscle issue. More specifically the muscle that runs up and down along the spine I think right between the shoulder blade and spine.

I'm gonna ask my Dr about that gel and see how it works.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 01:00:31 PM
I saw a thread on here about kettle balls,  how about using  them?

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dwight (DW) on May 03, 2016, 01:03:40 PM
My wife has the exact same pain, same spot. She complains about it feeling like someone sticking a knife under her left shoulder blade.

She's had it for several years. Tried everything, asked every doc, had every test. Got nowhere. Even tried acupuncture. Nothing works.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 01:09:30 PM
My wife has the exact same pain, same spot. She complains about it feeling like someone sticking a knife under her left shoulder blade.

She's had it for several years. Tried everything, asked every doc, had every test. Got nowhere. Even tried acupuncture. Nothing works.
Yup that's the pain...... Quite horrible.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Bean on May 03, 2016, 01:18:30 PM
I saw a thread on here about kettle balls,  how about using  them?

Dave

Kettle bells are great, but dumbells are even more versatile.  I get more use out of my 5-25lb adjustable dumbells than just about any equipment I've owned. 

I would talk to a PT about setting up a balanced all around program as well as a targeted program for your specific needs.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: eastbound on May 03, 2016, 01:32:46 PM
bean, would you pls link the adjustables you have/like?--if not too difficult
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: TeachSB on May 03, 2016, 01:41:59 PM
"He just tried to hit the spot of pain"

I think I'd find a new doctor.  That's not really how cortisone is supposed to work. 
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 01:48:29 PM
"He just tried to hit the spot of pain"

I think I'd find a new doctor.  That's not really how cortisone is supposed to work.
Yea I know how that sounded. It was after several visits,  exams,  x-rays, etc.  I was able to direct him to the exact location where the pain was and it was kinda a last resort cause he wasn't finding a "problem"...

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Bean on May 03, 2016, 02:09:13 PM
bean, would you pls link the adjustables you have/like?--if not too difficult

I've had mine for 10+ years, but these are the ones:

http://www.eastbay.com/product/model:217880/sku:WSAW1250/weider-speed-weight-dumbbell/&SID=4988&inceptor=1&cm_mmc=SEM-_-PLA-_-Bing-_-wsaw1250
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: balance_fit on May 03, 2016, 02:14:22 PM
Hi Dave

Sounds, from the description, your Rhomboids are the issue.

 If this is right, they are, probably, taking up slack from other weak muscle groups such as Trapezius, Serratus Anterior, or fighting against tight Pectorals (both Major and Minor), Cervical flexors, etc. Signs include, but don't limit to, Winged and Protracted Scapulas(rounded shoulders) inability to fully extend the Thoracic Spine from prone, protracted (forward) head, a Crossed Upper Syndrome, etc. I capitalized some names you should get familiar with.

Massage, cortizone shot, ice, etc, will clear the symptoms but won't address the cause. If other major causes are ruled out, (such as Nerve Impingement, Bone Spurs, etc)and the issue is muscular, when the pain is gone  (don't underestimate rest), get evaluated by an AT or PT versed in shoulder dysfunctions. Get strong, flexible and return to paddling slowly.

Be well
Wow that was quite a mouthful! Lol.... Like I mentioned I've already gone to the Dr and had x-rays and got the Cortisone shot and 3 deep tissue massages. None have helped,  it comes back almost every paddle. So I'd say yes it is muscular. It's a very sharp burning pain in a very specific spot every time.

What exercises are best to strengthen those muscles in my back that could be the culprit? It's really starting to limit my paddling, I'm good for 10-15 miles easily but yesterday I struggled with a 3 mile paddle and was damaged near crippled when I got home. ....

Dave

Hi Dave

Regarding exercises, it would be a bit difficult to recommend a responsible set of exercises (effective), without first evaluating you in person. There's plenty of exercises for the shoulder and scapula in the Web, but starting to perform them without knowing exactly what structures to address is pointless.

Since your pain is sharp and localized, and more to one side than another, there's tests that should be made to the structure before venturing into any exercises, because there's a clear sign of asymmetric loading.

For example, if you have even a slight degree of scoliosis, or are very lateralized in some kind of occupational or sports activity, the body will respond by creating certain asymmetric tension-length relationships between muscles, extremities, and their adjoining articulations to favor the necessary movement-often, at the expense of structural balance. This situation will create some tight and some weak length-tension relationships in those areas involved. Once paddling, specially in the adaptation phase, those asymmetries and unbalanced length-tension relationships will manifest as weak spots and pain.

Sorry if it sounds too complicated, but it is. The shoulder is a high mobility joint, unstable and weak to favor range of motion, which joins the skeleton at only one place, the sternum-clavicle joint. The scapula floats on the ribcage, balanced by many muscles. The ribcage itself responds to the spine structural balance, and, if the spine is out of alignment, everything else will follow suit.

So, i encourage you to seek the clinical attention you need, and when ready, resume paddling, not without first examining your technique. No shortcuts my friend.

Be well

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 02:23:21 PM
Hi Dave

Sounds, from the description, your Rhomboids are the issue.

 If this is right, they are, probably, taking up slack from other weak muscle groups such as Trapezius, Serratus Anterior, or fighting against tight Pectorals (both Major and Minor), Cervical flexors, etc. Signs include, but don't limit to, Winged and Protracted Scapulas(rounded shoulders) inability to fully extend the Thoracic Spine from prone, protracted (forward) head, a Crossed Upper Syndrome, etc. I capitalized some names you should get familiar with.

Massage, cortizone shot, ice, etc, will clear the symptoms but won't address the cause. If other major causes are ruled out, (such as Nerve Impingement, Bone Spurs, etc)and the issue is muscular, when the pain is gone  (don't underestimate rest), get evaluated by an AT or PT versed in shoulder dysfunctions. Get strong, flexible and return to paddling slowly.

Be well
Wow that was quite a mouthful! Lol.... Like I mentioned I've already gone to the Dr and had x-rays and got the Cortisone shot and 3 deep tissue massages. None have helped,  it comes back almost every paddle. So I'd say yes it is muscular. It's a very sharp burning pain in a very specific spot every time.

What exercises are best to strengthen those muscles in my back that could be the culprit? It's really starting to limit my paddling, I'm good for 10-15 miles easily but yesterday I struggled with a 3 mile paddle and was damaged near crippled when I got home. ....

Dave

Hi Dave

Regarding exercises, it would be a bit difficult to recommend a responsible set of exercises (effective), without first evaluating you in person. There's plenty of exercises for the shoulder and scapula in the Web, but starting to perform them without knowing exactly what structures to address is pointless.

Since your pain is sharp and localized, and more to one side than another, there's tests that should be made to the structure before venturing into any exercises, because there's a clear sign of asymmetric loading.

For example, if you have even a slight degree of scoliosis, or are very lateralized in some kind of occupational or sports activity, the body will respond by creating certain asymmetric tension-length relationships between muscles, extremities, and their adjoining articulations to favor the necessary movement-often, at the expense of structural balance. This situation will create some tight and some weak length-tension relationships in those areas involved. Once paddling, specially in the adaptation phase, those asymmetries and unbalanced length-tension relationships will manifest as weak spots and pain.

Sorry if it sounds too complicated, but it is. The shoulder is a high mobility joint, unstable and weak to favor range of motion, which joins the skeleton at only one place, the sternum-clavicle joint. The scapula floats on the ribcage, balanced by many muscles. The ribcage itself responds to the spine structural balance, and, if the spine is out of alignment, everything else will follow suit.

So, i encourage you to seek the clinical attention you need, and when ready, resume paddling, not without first examining your technique. No shortcuts my friend.

Be well
OK I understand, and BTW yes I do have scoliosis. I have a few PT friends I will catch up with and try to get proper advice.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: mal2050 on May 03, 2016, 02:41:53 PM
Hi Dave,

I would encourage you and others on this site to get the book:

(The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief Paperback – September 1, 2013
by Clair Davies NCTMB (Author), Amber Davies CMTPT LMT (Author), David G. Simons MD (Foreword))


Go on Amazon and read the reviews of people who have used this book some great stories about recoveries from pain. The book itself is pretty intensive and covers all the muscles of the body.  They get results sometimes when other therapies do not.
I have used the book for a number different pains that show up so I am grateful that someone turned me on to this modality.
 
So my friend  had a really bad pain in his foot for quite  awhile was set to go for surgery when someone gave him this book and he followed the instructions that seemed to relate to him, and a week later the pain was gone and 5 years later never came pack.

I have had a pain near the shoulderblade   and was able to get rid of it after a few days follow the detailed instructions found in the book. It turns out the trigger point for me was along the side of my face and neck which sounds crazy but it worked.

Went to a t a party  this year on the Northshore of Oahu  and a very dedicated big wave rider had an older version this  book on his coffee table and he told me he would not be surfing today without it. Looking at it was funny because it was so dogged eared and had so frigging many sticky notes in it, I was just laughed to myself.

So nothing cures all but this book is a good tool for any one who paddles. 

If anyone does get the book, there is a tool that you need to order at the same time so you will be able to reach and release the trigger points.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: white water on May 03, 2016, 04:49:58 PM
I bought my first paddle board about a year ago. I got that exact pain as well. It probably went on for 4 or 5 months of paddling maybe 3 or 4 miles every other week or so. But I no longer get it. I think my muscles have developed.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 03, 2016, 05:58:22 PM
I bought my first paddle board about a year ago. I got that exact pain as well. It probably went on for 4 or 5 months of paddling maybe 3 or 4 miles every other week or so. But I no longer get it. I think my muscles have developed.
I'm hoping that's what happens to me.... I think I need to try more frequent paddles and shorten them up at 1st.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Zooport on May 03, 2016, 07:15:11 PM
I'm trying to get some confirmation on this. I've had a really bad pain when I paddle sometimes between my shoulder blades. It's kinda off to my left side,  starts as a sharp kinda stabbing pain then gets worse. I went to a Dr.  had x-rays full exam and a shot of cortisone and still get the pain when I paddle. I was kinda writing it off as another getting older pain and deciding to try and get a professional massage. I booked my 1st ever pro massage with a woman recommended by a friend,  she does "medical" deep tissue massages. When I described the pain and location and what brought it on she immediately told me it was a muscle issue. Apparently it's cause I'm using new muscles and basically there very unhappy and week and the pain is the result.

Anyone ever have this and if so what was the fix? Obviously I need to strengthen them just curious what worked best for you. Thanks for any help.

Dave



I have dealt with similar pain in my shoulder blade since I started paddling.  I was told that I needed myofascial release; a fancy way of saying loosening up severely knotted muscles.  As others have said, you are using muscles that have never been asked to work like that before, and they knot up severely.  The thing that seems to be slowly healing my issue is this:  I bought a really powerful percussion massager from Brookstone and began stretching the muscle while applying the intense, pounding vibration of the massager.  It gives me temporary relief and appears to be slowly reversing the condition. 

There are also rollers for that same purpose:  http://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/what-is-a-foam-roller-how-do-i-use-it-and-why-does-it-hurt




Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: white water on May 04, 2016, 05:56:13 PM
I went to a Physical Therapist today for shoulder pain. I mentioned I had the pain between my shoulder blades. She gave me an exercise to do. Lay on your stomach, Stretch your arm over your head as far as possible , as if you are reaching for something then lift it as high as you can at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds. Alternate arms. 10 sets of 10. Do the same with arm straight out to the side.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 04, 2016, 06:38:06 PM
I went to a Physical Therapist today for shoulder pain. I mentioned I had the pain between my shoulder blades. She gave me an exercise to do. Lay on your stomach, Stretch your arm over your head as far as possible , as if you are reaching for something then lift it as high as you can at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds. Alternate arms. 10 sets of 10. Do the same with arm straight out to the side.
Just want to be clear,  when you say "lift it"  did you mean your head? That's great I appreciate it.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: SuppaTime on May 04, 2016, 10:23:13 PM
I went to a Physical Therapist today for shoulder pain. I mentioned I had the pain between my shoulder blades. She gave me an exercise to do. Lay on your stomach, Stretch your arm over your head as far as possible , as if you are reaching for something then lift it as high as you can at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds. Alternate arms. 10 sets of 10. Do the same with arm straight out to the side.

The exercise I got from my PT was the same except lie on my back and keep my hips and should blades pinned to the ground. I also did an exercise that involved pulling against resistance towards me. Imagine a bench press where you are pulling the bar down towards you rather than pushing away. But the key is to use your back muscles to crunch your shoulder blades together while you are doing this.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: white water on May 05, 2016, 04:56:05 AM
Keep forehead on the ground, lift arm and reach far. She told me also, to pinch your shoulder blades together while keeping you elbows tight to your side while trying to touch the back of your hand to your shoulder with a resistance band connecting hands.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: 1tuberider on May 05, 2016, 07:14:02 AM
Are your fingers numb when doing some activities? If not then this probably won't fix it,
but it may be worth a try.

I felt like I was being beat with a baseball bat in the same area you describe. When I rode
motorcycle my fingers numbed.

A chiropractor treated me. He used manipulation, traction, and ice. It worked, but while
doing traction the pain was greater. Doc explained that I had a nerve impingement,
and when the traction lifted the spine off the nerve, the nerve got relief and would first swell
before going back to normal.

How did this happen? I have a desk job with a computer. I sat in the chair 13 hours a day during
my busy season. Bad posture could have been the culprit. Everything I did just pissed the spot off
and would case great pain.

This was 5 years ago or more. I still have an occasional issue when I paddle, but it is short lived now.
Traction devices are cheap. Ice is almost free. You might try something similar. Ask your doc or
go see a chiropractor if this will cause any problems before you try it. For me it was the solution
to a pain problem.

Hope you find a solution and can get back to pain free activity. By the way,
I have no knowledge of medicine. The professionals helped me. They can help you also.

My chiropractor is a god send. He relieved me of my lower back issues that was my greatest pain. Three
bulging disks. He fixed my knee when it goes out. I have a torn meniscus. He also saved me from
going under the knife, because that is where the doctors  were going. He helped my torn ham string heal
faster also.  I some times refer to him as a witch doctor because so far he has helped me with so many
different problems. Regular doctors were talking about surgery which I want no part of.

I have also had pt. It helped with posture and strength. But my lasting relief came from my
witch doc by seeing him on a regular basis. I no longer need the regular basis treatment, just a tune up
every so often.

 
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: supthecreek on May 05, 2016, 08:35:03 AM
At the risk of being a pain in the ass....
Lots of detailed discussion about how to overcome the pain..... not enough, about the cause of the pain IMO

It sounds like the pain did not exist till you paddled.
Maybe it's time to ask yourself some questions.

What kind of paddle do you use?
How long is it?
How stiff is it?
How big is the blade?
How heavy is your board?
How wide is your board?
Do you have the right equipment for the kind of paddling you do?
Are you pushing yourself too hard?

Perhaps some simple modification to your routine, the paddle or the board may eliminate the pain.
Just a thought.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 05, 2016, 09:16:26 AM
At the risk of being a pain in the ass....
Lots of detailed discussion about how to overcome the pain..... not enough, about the cause of the pain IMO

It sounds like the pain did not exist till you paddled.
Maybe it's time to ask yourself some questions.

What kind of paddle do you use?
How long is it?
How stiff is it?
How big is the blade?
How heavy is your board?
How wide is your board?
Do you have the right equipment for the kind of paddling you do?
Are you pushing yourself too hard?

Perhaps some simple modification to your routine, the paddle or the board may eliminate the pain.
Just a thought.
Funny you mention that....  I have a 14' x 34" board that weighs 45 pounds. I can't remember the specs on my paddle but I know it was a bigger wider paddle compared to others I was looking at. My wife's board is 12' x 31" and weighs 32 pounds. Her paddle was on the smaller side of what I was looking at. Tomorrow morning I'm going to take her board and paddle out for a bit and see how long it takes to set off my pain.

I spoke with the massage lady again and she recommended a few exercises using my universal gym. She stressed that the elbows up level with your shoulder exercises would benefit me the best. I'll let you guys know how much better my wife's board and paddle are.

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: SuppaTime on May 05, 2016, 01:10:05 PM
I was out SUSing this morning and could feel the spot between my shoulder blades tweaking a bit. I changed my paddling motion so that I was not pulling the paddle so far back and keeping it more out in front of me but not over-reaching; basically, shorter dabs. I also made sure my shoulders were not rolled forward but locked back. I am not an expert at all in proper paddling but the above made my back quit tweaking.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: eastbound on May 05, 2016, 01:59:41 PM
attach a string to a lacrosse ball with electrical tape. dangle the ball behind your back and lean against a wall. now lean into the lacrosse ball and aggressively (take yourself to the edge of intolerable pain) work the entire area around the point of pain. take care to stay clear of bone and spine. i have had pain under left shoulder blade isnce age 20, when i attempted to pull a rolled carpet up a circular stairway. completely spasmed the left side of my back. the left shoulder blade area has haunted me since then. aggro massage or self massage helps me immensely. feels good too--to work the shit out of that annoying little SOB pain spot.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: deepmud on May 06, 2016, 11:56:58 AM
My wife has the exact same pain, same spot. She complains about it feeling like someone sticking a knife under her left shoulder blade.

She's had it for several years. Tried everything, asked every doc, had every test. Got nowhere. Even tried acupuncture. Nothing works.
Yup that's the pain...... Quite horrible.

Dave

My wife has neck problems - it started in with a sharp, severe pain under her shoulder blade - she described it like a knife - my attempts at massage the spot never seemed to help. As it progressed (years) , it began to also involve pain in her forearm and thumb with first 2 fingers.

It was her neck - she has degenerative discs and bone, both. The pain finally got to be localized in her neck - severe, constant-drugs-like-percocet-can't-touch-it-NOBODY-is-sleeping pain, and she got a laminectomy (basically "clearanced" the path of the nerve out the back of the neck)  - this provided immediate relief. Unfortunately, things continued to degenerate and she has also had to have a neck-fusion of c5,c6,c7 a couple years later ( I believe it was c5-c6 causing the finger numbness - not sure where the should-blade pain originates).

 - so - all that is to mention you might have your neck checked out for your shoulder blade pain, not that your options are only surgical :D I think you have an big advantage being active and paddling.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 15, 2016, 08:10:15 AM
Sorry been busy,  I went out this morning on my wife's 12'x32" HD and had 0 pain in my back. I used her paddle also. I didn't go to far,  only a few miles but far enough to yo see the difference. So next is either my board with her paddle or her board with my paddle. I noticed not only is her paddle blade smaller than mine the shift is shorter also.

Much better work out on her board also. On mine it's just sooo stable I guess I'm not balancing as much. I did decide I like the 12'x32" much better vs my 14'x34". I see a change coming soon regardless of what I figure out. Her board felt like a sports car compared to mine. I was really surprised how huge a difference a few feet make!  Or would it be the width that makes the difference?

Dave

Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Billekrub on May 30, 2016, 11:07:46 PM
It  is possible that by posting a video of yourself in action you would get great feedback on your form.  And the self analysis would be the most valuable of all.
Title: Re: Sharp pain between shoulder blades
Post by: Dkyachtphoto on May 31, 2016, 08:30:28 AM
It  is possible that by posting a video of yourself in action you would get great feedback on your form.  And the self analysis would be the most valuable of all.
I might try to do that next time I'm out. I was able to use my wife's paddle several times recently and it makes a huge difference. I've been paying more attention to my form and technique but no matter what I do with my paddle it always ends up hurting.

Dave

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